Variably spaced multi-point rfid tag reader systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for determining a time of a passing at a reference line of an RFID tag traveling along a route and a time of lapsing of the tracked RFID tag on the route, the system have a plurality of spaced apart tag reader systems for wirelessly obtaining tag reads, wherein at least one of the tag reader systems is space apart from the reference line. The timing system receives a plurality of tag reads and determines the time of passing of the RFID at the reference ID line responsive to the plurality of received tag read messages received from the plurality of tag reader systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/309,259, filed on Mar. 1, 2010 entitled VARIABLY SPACED MULTI-POINTRFID TAG READER SYSTEMS AND METHODS; and U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/369,013, filed on Jul. 29, 2010, entitled AUTOMATED TIMINGSYSTEMS AND METHODS HAVING MULTIPLE TIME EVENT RECORDERS AND ANINTEGRATED USER TIME ENTRY INTERFACE.

The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to radio frequency identification (RFID)tag reader systems and, more specifically, to systems and methods formulti-point RFID tag reading and timing.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

When using an RFID system for timing sporting events, it often becomesnecessary to utilize two or more systems for the purpose of expandingthe RFID tag read zone at a particular timing location. Multiple systemsmay also be needed for the purpose of providing redundancy to ensurethat a tag is read as it passes the timing location. The physicalconfiguration and layout of two or more systems may differ greatly. Forexample, two systems may be placed side by side in order to provide awider path in which tags may pass. If greater redundancy is needed, twoor three systems may be placed behind each other to effectively providemultiple zones for the tags to pass through. In all cases in whichmultiple systems are used, the time stamp on a tag read will be uniqueto each system that recorded a read. This creates a challenge becausethere becomes no single location which is the definitive point on therace course that is designated as the timing location. For example, if afinish line of a running event has multiple systems deployed behind eachother to provide redundancy over a distance of perhaps 20 feet, it maybe difficult to know the exact location of the finish line given thatany one of the systems may have recorded the tag read. This problem iswell understood and it has existed in the sports timing industry formany years.

SUMMARY

The inventor hereof has succeeded at designing an improved RFID tagreader system and timing system for identifying a time of passing of amoving RFID tag through a monitored zone and for determining a totalelapsed time of travel of the RFID tag from a beginning to and end.

According to one aspect, a timing system for determining a time of apassing at a reference line of a tracked RFID tag traveling along aroute includes a first tag reader system, a second tag reader system,and a timing system. The first tag reader system has a processor, amemory, a clock, and a communication interface. It further has a radiofrequency transceiver for wirelessly communicating with the RFID tag andone or more antennas coupled to the radio frequency transceiver that arepositioned at a first monitored position at a first offset distance fromthe reference line. The first tag reader system transmits a first tagread request and receives one or more first tag reads from the RFID tagvia the antenna. It further transmits over the communication interface afirst tag read message including at least a portion of the receivedfirst tag reads. The second tag reader system has a processor, a memory,a clock, and a communication interface. The second tag reader system hasa radio frequency transceiver for wirelessly communicating with the RFIDtag and one or more second antennas coupled to the second radiofrequency transceiver that are positioned at a second monitored positionat a second offset distance from the reference line and spaced apartfrom the first monitored position along the route traveled by the RFIDtag. The second tag reader system transmits a second tag read requestand receives one or more second tag reads from the RFID tag andtransmits over its communication interface a second tag read messageincluding at least a portion of the received second tag reads. Thetiming system has a processor, a memory including storing of a tagreader normalization parameter, and a communication interfacecommunicatively coupled to the communication interfaces of the first andsecond tag reader systems for receiving the transmitted first and secondtag read messages. The timing system determines the time of passing ofthe RFID tag at the reference line responsive to the received first andsecond tag reads and the stored tag reader normalization parameter.

According to another aspect, a timing system includes means forwirelessly transmitting one or more first tag read requests to the RFIDtag at a first tag reader system having one or more antennas positionedat a first monitored position at a first offset distance from thereference line along the route traveled by the RFID tag, means forreceiving one or more first tag reads responsive to the first tagrequests wherein the first tag read includes an RFID identificationnumber from the RFID tag responsive to the first tag read requests, andmeans for recording a time stamp for each received first tag read thatincludes a time of receipt of each first tag read. The timing systemalso includes means for transmitting one or more first tag read messagescontaining the RFID identification number, the time stamp, and a tagreader system identifier, means for wirelessly transmitting one or moresecond tag read requests to the RFID tag at a second tag reader systemhaving one or more antennas positioned at a second monitored positionspaced apart from the first monitored position and at a second offsetdistance from the reference line along the route traveled by the RFIDtag, and means for receiving one or more second tag reads responsive tothe second tag requests wherein the second tag read include the RFIDidentification number from the RFID tag responsive to the second tagread requests. The timing system also includes means for recording atime stamp for each received second tag read that includes a time ofreceipt of each second tag read, means for transmitting one or moresecond tag read messages containing the RFID identification number, thetime stamp, and a tag reader system identifier; and means for storing atag reader normalization parameter at a timing system. The timing systemfurther includes means for receiving the transmitted first and secondtag read messages; means for calculating an average delta time for eachof the first and second tag read messages based in part on the storedtag reader normalization parameter; means for determining the time ofpassing of the RFID tag at the reference line responsive to thecalculated average delta times for the first and second tag reads withinthe first and second tag read messages.

According to yet another aspect, a system includes first and secondmonitored positions and a timing system. In the first and secondmonitored positions, means for wirelessly transmitting one or more firsttag read requests to the RFID tag at a first tag reader system havingone or more antennas positioned at a first monitored position at a firstoffset distance from the reference line along the route traveled by theRFID tag, means for receiving one or more first tag reads responsive tothe first tag requests wherein the first tag read include an RFIDidentification number from the RFID tag responsive to the first tag readrequests, and means for recording a time stamp for each received firsttag read that includes a time of receipt of each first tag read. Alsoincludes are means for transmitting one or more first tag read messagescontaining the RFID identification number, the time stamp, and a tagreader system identifier, means for wirelessly transmitting one or moresecond tag read requests to the RFID tag at a second tag reader systemhaving one or more antennas positioned at a second monitored positionspaced apart from the first monitored position and at a second offsetdistance from the reference line along the route traveled by the RFIDtag, means for receiving one or more second tag reads responsive to thesecond tag requests wherein the second tag read include the RFIDidentification number from the RFID tag responsive to the second tagread requests, means for recording a time stamp for each received secondtag read that includes a time of receipt of each second tag read, andmeans for transmitting one or more second tag read messages containingthe RFID identification number, the time stamp, and a tag reader systemidentifier. The timing system includes means for storing a tag readernormalization parameter at a timing system, and means for receiving thetransmitted first and second tag read messages. The timing system alsoincludes means for calculating an average delta time for each of thefirst and second tag read messages based in part on the stored tagreader normalization parameter, means for determining the time ofpassing of the RFID tag at the reference line responsive to thecalculated average delta times for the first and second tag reads withinthe first and second tag read messages, wherein the determined time ofpassing of the first monitored position is the start of the elapsed timeand the determined time of passing of the second monitored position isthe end of the elapsed time, and means for determining the elapsed timefor the RFID tag traveling between the first and second monitoredpositions as the difference between determined time of passing of thesecond monitored position and determined time of passing of the firstmonitored position.

According to yet another aspect, a method includes in a system havingfirst and second monitored positions and a timing system variousassignment process. These include, in a first tag reader system havingone or more antennas positioned at a first monitored position at a firstoffset distance from the reference line along the route traveled by theRFID tag, the method of wirelessly transmitting one or more first tagread requests to the RFID tag, receiving one or more first tag readsincluding an RFID identification number from the RFID tag responsive tothe one or more of the first tag read requests, recording a time stampfor each received first tag read that includes a time of receipt of eachfirst tag read, and transmitting one or more first tag read messagescontaining the RFID identification number, the time stamp, and a tagreader system identifier. The method also includes, in a second tagreader system having one or more antennas positioned at a secondmonitored position at a second offset distance from the reference lineand spaced apart from the first monitored position along the routetraveled by the RFID tag, the processes of wirelessly transmitting oneor more second tag read requests to the RFID tag, receiving one or moresecond tag reads including the RFID identification number from the RFIDtag responsive the at least one of the second tag read requests,

recording a time stamp for each received second tag read that includes atime of receipt of each second tag read, and transmitting one or moresecond tag read messages containing the RFID identification number, thetime stamp, and a tag reader system identifier. The method also includesin a timing system, the processes of storing a tag reader normalizationparameter, receiving the transmitted first and second tag read messages,calculating an average delta time for each of the first and second tagread messages based in part on the stored tag reader normalizationparameter, and determining the time of passing of the RFID tag at thereference line responsive to the calculated average delta times for thefirst and second tag reads within the first and second tag readmessages.

Further aspects of the present disclosure will be in part apparent andin part pointed out below. It should be understood that various aspectsof the disclosure may be implemented individually or in combination withone another. It should also be understood that the detailed descriptionand drawings, while indicating certain exemplary embodiments, areintended for purposes of illustration only and should not be construedas limiting the scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a two-point RFID tag reader system having two readers spacedapart at a finish line of racetrack according to one exemplaryembodiment of a variably spaced multi-point RFID reader system.

FIG. 2 is a three-point RFID tag reader system having three readersspaced apart at a finish line of a race track according to a secondexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a two-point RFID tag reader system each ofwhich are spaced apart from a virtual monitored position being a finishline according to a third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a race track application for a timingsystem having four monitored positions, each of which includes multiplespaced apart tag reader systems according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a variably spaced three-point RFID tagreader system each of which is spaced apart from a virtual referenceline as a finish line on a race track according to another exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a timing diagram of a communication protocol showing three tagreaders by three antennas at a single monitored position for asingle-point RFID tag reader system according to one exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a timing diagram of a communication protocol between a timingsystem/module and three tag reader systems each of which is monitoringpassing RFID tags at spaced apart monitored positions according to oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a timing system receiving tag readings fromthree multi-point tag reading systems each of which monitors a differentmonitored position according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing two timing systems each of whichcollects tag reads from the same three tag readers for independentlydetermining a final tag read according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing showing the system architecture of thecommunication system suitable for use with one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is schematic drawing showing the communication interfaces forthe timing system (TS) and tag reader system (TRS) according to oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a specialized computer system suitable forimplementing one or more assemblies or methods of various embodiments asdescribed herein.

It should be understood that throughout the drawings, correspondingreference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the present disclosure or the disclosure'sapplications or uses.

Before turning to the figures and the various exemplary embodimentsillustrated therein, a detailed overview of various embodiments andaspects is provided for purposes of breadth of scope, context, clarity,and completeness.

A timing system for determining a time of a passing at a reference lineof a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag traveling along a routeincludes first and second tag reader systems and a timing system each ofwhich may be a standalone system or combined in whole or in part. Itshould be understood that the reference herein to a first and secondsystems includes two or more as two or more can include more than onefirst and/or second system. As such, the description herein of any twoor more includes any quantity of systems, components, devices, messages,etc, greater than two. Of course, as should be understood, that in manyembodiments there will be multiple RFID tags traveling along the sameroute and the tag readers and timing system will be performing thefunctions and methods as described herein for each individual RFID tag.

The first tag reader system (TRS) has a processor, a memory, a clock, acommunication interface, a radio frequency transceiver for wirelesslycommunicating with the RFID tag, and one or more antennas coupled to theradio frequency transceiver that are positioned at a first monitoredposition at a first offset distance from the reference line. Asdescribed herein, an offset distance is the physical distance betweenthe monitored position and the reference or common line to which thetime of passing is being determined The first tag reader systemtransmits a first tag read request and receives one or more first tagreads from the RFID tag, each being by the radio frequency transceiver.The first tag reader system transmits over the communication interface afirst tag read message including at least a portion of the receivedfirst tag reads. As described herein, any described communicationinterface can be of any suitable technology for communicating over anyof suitable transmission technologies, as known to these of skill in theart of data communications systems.

The second tag reader system (TRS) has a processor, a memory, a clock, acommunication interface, a radio frequency transceiver for wirelesslycommunicating with the RFID tag, and one or more second antennas coupledto the second radio frequency transceiver that are positioned at asecond monitored position at a second offset distance from the referenceline. The second monitored position is spaced apart from the firstmonitored position along the route traveled by the RFID tag. The secondtag reader system transmits a second tag read request and receives oneor more second tag reads from the RFID tag and transmits over itscommunication interface a second tag read message including at least aportion of the received second tag reads.

The timing system (TS) has a processor, a memory including storing of atag reader normalization parameter, and a communication interfacecommunicatively coupled to the communication interfaces of the first andsecond tag reader systems for receiving the transmitted first and secondtag read messages. The timing system includes computer implementedexecutable instructions for determining the time of passing of the RFIDtag at the reference line responsive to the received first and secondtag reads and the stored tag reader normalization parameter.

The timing system computes an average delta time for each of the firstand second tag reads and determines the time of passing from the firstand second computed average delta times. One or both of the first andsecond tag reader systems can transmit a plurality of first and secondtag reads and each average time can be calculated on each of thereceived first and second tag reads.

While the timing system is described herein as a separate system, thetiming system can be implemented integrally within either of the firstand second tag reader systems. For example, the timing system can be afirst timing system implemented integrally with the first tag readersystem. A second timing system can be implemented integrally with thesecond tag reader system.

In some embodiments, the reference line is different from all of themonitored positions and in other embodiments at least one of themonitored positions is the same as the system reference line. Forinstance, where the first offset distance is zero and the firstmonitored position is coincidental with the reference line. However,where neither the first nor second offset distances are zero, neitherthe first or second monitored positions are coincidental with thereference line. In some embodiments, the timing system memory includes astored tag reader normalization parameter associated with each of thefirst and second offset distances and the timing system determines thetime of passing of the RFID tag at the reference line responsive to thereceived first and second tag reads and the stored tag readernormalization parameters for the first and second offset distances.

Any type of RFID tag is operational with the current disclosed systemand considered within the scope of the present disclosure. In oneembodiment, the RFID tag is a passive RFID tag and each of the wirelesstransceivers of the first and second tag reader systems are configuredto transmit a powering activation message and the read request messageto RFID tag. These may be in any radio frequency (RF) band and operatingunder any type of suitable protocol.

In some embodiments, the first and second tag read requests arecontinuously transmitted and in some embodiments they are transmitted aspulses or in various timed transmissions of packets. In someembodiments, each of the first and second tag reads includes a tagserial number of the RFID tag. In one embodiment, each first and secondtag read message includes a data packet having a tag reader systemidentifier, a tag read time, and the tag serial number. As such, thetiming system determines the passing of the RFID tag utilizing thereceived tag read times. In one embodiment, each first and second tagread message includes a data packet having a tag reader systemidentifier, and the tag serial number.

In other embodiments, at least one of the first and second tag readersystems includes a plurality of antennas and each first and second tagread message is formatted to include a data packet having an antennaidentifier that is unique to each antenna. As such, the timing systemdetermines the time of passing of the RFID tag utilizing or otherwiseresponsive to antenna identifiers received with each of the first andsecond tag read messages. In one embodiment, the timing system includesa clock to enable the timing system to transmit a timing message to eachof the first and second tag reader systems via the communicationinterfaces. After receiving such timing message, each of the first andsecond tag reader systems sets a timing of its respective clockresponsive to the received timing message.

In other embodiments, each of the first and second tag reader systemstime stamps each received tag read and generates each tag read messageto include the time stamp and the received tag read in the tag readmessage that is transmitted.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second tag readers receives aplurality of first and second tag reads from the same RFID tag and eachsubsequently transmits its tag read message to include a selected one ofthe plurality of first and second tag reads. For example, in someembodiments, the selected of each plurality of first and second tagreads is the last such tag read received.

In another embodiment, a method for determining a time of a passing at areference line of a tracked RFID tag traveling along a route can includevarious steps. This can include, at a first tag reader system with oneor more antennas positioned at a first monitored position at a firstoffset distance from the reference line along the route traveled by theRFID tag, wirelessly transmitting one or more first tag read requests tothe RFID tag, receiving one or more first tag reads including an RFIDidentification number from the RFID tag responsive to the one or more ofthe first tag read requests. A time stamp is recorded for each receivedfirst tag read that includes a time of receipt of each first tag read.One or more first tag read messages containing the RFID identificationnumber, the time stamp, and a tag reader system identifier aretransmitted by the tag reader. Similarly, a second tag reader systemwith one or more antennas positioned at a second monitored position at asecond offset distance from the reference line and spaced apart from thefirst monitored position along the route traveled by the RFID tagwirelessly transmits one or more second tag read requests to the RFIDtag. One or more second tag reads that include the RFID identificationnumber from the RFID tag are received in response to the one or more ofthe second tag read requests. A time stamp is recorded for each receivedsecond tag read that includes a time of receipt of each second tag read.One or more second tag read messages containing the RFID identificationnumber, the time stamp, and a tag reader system identifier aretransmitted by the second tag reader.

At a timing system that may be a standalone system or incorporatedwithin a system of one of the tag readers, a tag reader normalizationparameter is stored and the transmitted first and second tag readmessages are received. The method within the timing system includescalculating an average delta time for each of the first and second tagread messages based in part on the stored tag reader normalizationparameter. The method also includes determining the time of passing ofthe RFID tag at the reference line responsive to the calculated averagedelta times for each first and second tag read within the first andsecond tag read messages.

Such a timing system can also include the process of transmitting a timesynchronization message by the timing system that is then received byeach of the first and second tag reader systems. Each tag reader systemcompares the received time synchronization message with its includedtime stamp with the stored or current time. The tag reader can thenreset its internal clock response to the received time synchronizationmessages and/or the comparison thereof. After receipt, and updating orresetting, the tag reader then begins to record the time stamps based onthe reset internal clocks.

As noted above where each of the first and second tag reader systemsincludes one or more antennas, each tag reader can uniquely anddiscretely identify each antenna and therefore can therefore identifythat antenna associated with each received tag read. This can beperformed by the antenna itself, by including a transmitted antennaidentifier or can be performed internal to the tag reader at theinterface to the antenna, such as an assignment of an interface serialor identifying the port number as an antenna identifier. By uniquelyidentifying the particular antenna from which the tag read is receivedfrom among a plurality of antennas, each tag reader can generates tagread messages that include an antenna identifier for each identifiedantenna which can be transmitted to and utilized by the timing system orotherwise. The timing system can compute the average delta time for eachtag read as a function of the antenna identifier. For example, thetiming system can be programmed to include a layout or design of antennaat the tag reader location or in relation to the reference line beingmonitored. As such, the timing system can adjust or adapt or beotherwise programmed to fine tune the computation of the average deltatime through application of mathematical formulations or models.

The timing system can determine a position of the RFID tag relative tothe first and second monitored positions. In such manner the timingsystem can determine the time of the RFID tag passing the monitoredposition of the antenna and adjust the timing based on the knownrelationship between the antenna monitored position and the referenceline. In some embodiments, the process of determining the time of theRFID tag passing the reference line can include identifying a positionof the reference line relative to both the first and second monitoredpositions.

Further the determination of the timing can include associating thedetermined position of the RFID tag relative to the multiple monitoredpositions, which are described herein as first and second, but caninclude a plurality of monitored positions greater than two.

In another embodiment, a method for determining an elapsed time of atracked RFID tag traveling between a first and a second monitoredposition on a route. The method can include, at a first monitoredposition system at a first monitored position that as at least one firstand second tag readers, performing the methods described above with thetiming systems determining a time of passing of the first monitoredposition being a start of the elapsed time. At a second monitoredposition system at a second monitored position having its own at leastfirst and second tag readers performing similar methods for the time ofpassing at a second reference line, or monitored position such as whereat a route distance is the distance between the first monitored positionand the second monitored position. Similarly, the determined time ofpassing of the second monitored position can be the end of the elapsedtime. The timing system is configured to communicate with both the firstand second monitored position systems each determining their own time ofpassing of each RFID at their respective monitored positions. Byreceiving the times of passing from each monitored position system, thetiming system computes an elapsed time for the RFID tag travelingbetween the first and second monitored positions as the differencebetween determined time of passing of the second monitored position anddetermined time of passing of the first monitored position.

In some embodiments using passive RFID tags, a timing system (TS) caninclude one or more tag reader systems (TRS) that continuously transmitor pulse an energy signal or message from connected antenna in order toactivate and power the tags as they move through the monitoredpositions. Each passive RFID tag has a very small capacitor which cancontinue to power up the tag for anywhere from about 0.1 to about 2seconds. Depending on the velocity of the tag through the zone, theactivating messages need to be transmitted such that the tags can beactivated and can provide one or more reads while the moving tag iswithin the monitored position. For instance, in one embodiment, theactivating messages for use in a marathon race can be at a rate of onefor every about 0.008 seconds. Again, it is desirable to provide enoughRF energy in the monitored position zone or field to keep all of themoving RFID tags powered up while in the monitored position.

The transmitted activation message can include powering as well as theread request, for example consistent with the provisions of theGeneration 2 (G2) protocols for passive RFID systems. The messagingbetween the tag reader system TRS, its antennas and the passive RFIDtags can be handled in various ways to accomplish the transmission of RFenergy to the tags within the G2 protocol to power them up and obtainthe tag read. For instance, this can be using separate messages or caninclude sending a read request that also provides the RF energy neededfor the tags to power up. In some embodiments, a wakeup signal canenergize the moving tag when it comes within range of one or moreantennas, and then subsequently a read request message can be sent afterthe tag is activated. Of course, other embodiments are possible as knownto those skilled in the art of RFID systems and in particular G2systems, and still considered within the scope of the presentdisclosure. However, in tracking and reading numerous moving tagsthrough a monitored position, the messaging between the tag readersystem TRS and the tags most desirably will provide for a rapid power-upof the tag and rapid reading of numerous tags that may be within thesame monitored position or zone, e.g., the same RF field of the antennaof the tag reader system TRS.

As one such exemplary embodiment implementing the G2 standards, the tagreader system TRS and tag can perform the method steps of:

a. Each TRS transmits an energy activation signal.

b. The TRS system also sends a QUERY command. This QUERY command canalso be the activation signal, or a separate signal. Each of these istransmitted on a pulsed basis by each antenna coupled to the TRS.

c. Each tag receives the activation signal and then also receives theQUERY command.

d. Once the QUERY command is received, each tag generates a random16-bit number and transmits the 16-bit number (RN-16).

e. The tag reply is received by the TRS and the RN-16 is logged.

f. The tag reply is received strongest by the near antenna that stampsit with the antenna identifier and sends it in a packet to the TRS.

g. The TRS logs the RN-16 along with the antenna identifier.

h. The TRS then sends out an echo Read Request message that includes thereceived RN-16. Where the antenna identifier is provided, the readrequest message can be sent to the same antenna or to all antennaswithin the tag reader system TRS in order to maximize the operation ofreading the moving tag.

i. The tag receives the uniquely addressed (RN-16) read request and thenprovides the tag read with the tag EPC/number along with the otherrequested data.

As known to those skilled in the art after reviewing the presentdisclosure, the use of the RN-16 as generated by the tag, provides theability to set up a one-on-one or point-to-point packet communicationsession between the tag and the tag reader system TRS, and in some casesspecifically through one antenna from among a plurality of antennasassociated with a TRS system or associated with a monitored referenceline. Additionally, the use of the RN-16 can also provide that each tagreader system TRS will only perform a single read request and single tagread from each tag. However, it should be understood that this tagreading process is only one exemplary embodiment and others are alsowithin the scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, some TRS systems can utilize more than one antenna toincrease or expand the read zone of the monitored position. In suchembodiments, the RF messaging for powering and/or read requests can besent simultaneously from all antennas or can be sent individually fromthe tag reader system TRS transceiver to each coupled antenna. In thelater embodiments, unique messaging and identification of each antennamay be required and the tag reader system TRS transceiver would beequipped or configured to provide for unique addressing andcommunications with each antenna. The TRS transceiver can therefore sendmessages separately across the various antenna fields essentiallycreating sub-monitored RF zones within the tag reader system TRSmonitored position.

After the passive RFID tag is powered up, the read request can betransmitted to obtain a response from the tag to provide a tag read tothe tag reader system TRS. Such a read request can be provided under theG2 protocol directly between the tag reader system TRS and each tagbased on its provided address. Once each tag receives its previouslyprovided address, the chip transmits the tag read data back to the tagreader system TRS. The transmission between the tag reader system TRS,its antenna and the RFID tags using one or more frequency channels andmessages can be pursuant to any defined protocol and communicationcapability, with the G2 standard only being one exemplary suchembodiment.

In some embodiments, an RFID monitoring systems composed of one or moretag reader systems TRS is positioned at a start line, a check point orintermediary point and at a finish line of a race track for a racingevent. Each tag reader system TRS logs one or more time stamp entriesper tag and transmits the tag reads and times in a tag read message toan RFID timing system. As such, each of the received tag reads and timesare used in a calculation of the determined tag read for that monitoredposition. This can also include a substitution of a one or moresupplemental tag reads where it is determined that such is more accuratethan one or more of the other tag reads or where one or more tag readersystems TRS fails to make a read from a particular tag. All of the tagreads and the final determined tag read are logged by one or more of thetag reader systems TRS or timing systems (TS) with each tag number witha time stamp that has been adjusted to the common reference line.

When timing an elapsed time between two points, there are two primaryways that this can be handled. In the first embodiment, it can beassumed that all tags cross the start or first point at the same time.In such embodiments, all lapsed times are determined using the sameclock and the lapsed times are essentially the total times. This methodis suitable for many races, but is not suitable for races where there isnot a common start time. This is also the situation where the currentsystems are used to track times of tags in and out of locations that areother than a racing event or track. In the second embodiment, amonitored position is established at the beginning or entry point withone or more tag reader systems TRS determining the actual start timebased on a common timing clock. A second monitored position with one ormore tag reader systems TRS read the tag at the end to determine theactual end or finish time using the common timing clock. The totalelapsed time is determined to be the difference between the two. In suchembodiments, the common timing clock set time must be provided to eachtag reader system TRS in the system and at each monitored position sothat the determination of the total elapsed time is accurate.

The time stamp can be provided in the tag reader system TRS using tagreader system TRS hardware and/or software at the time of receiving atag read. Each tag reader system TRS has an internal clock that timestamps the tag read with a suitable degree of accuracy. For example, insome embodiments the internal clock and time stamp functions can providefor a time stamp that is accurate to the 1/1000th of a second. As such,it is important to synchronize each clock in each tag reader system TRSand between timing systems or tag reader system TRS so that the commontiming clock is synchronized to the same degree of desired accuracy. Asaddressed herein, a SYNC message can be provided from a common clock ora single clock within the coupled timing system TS and tag readersystems TRS as a master clock. Each secondary or slave clock thenupdates or resets its time to this received common clock. In someembodiments, the received timing message can also be adjusted to takeinto account any transmission delays of the SYNC timing message if knownor predictable.

The tag read or tag read packet or data sent from each RFID tag can varybased on the application but generally includes at least a unique tagidentifier or identification numbers or code. This can also include theRN-16 number or other communication identification number. Each tagreader system TRS receives the tag read packet by at one or moreantennas associated with the tag reader system TRS. The receivingantenna transmits the received tag read back to the tag reader systemTRS as received or can add to the tag read packet additional antennaspecific data. Such antenna specific data can include an antennaidentification number or identifier that uniquely identifies theantenna. Additional antenna information can also be provided if desired.This can include RF data associated with the received tag read packetsuch as, by way of example, RF energy levels or signal strengths of thereceived tag read packet, directional data indicating a direction of thereceived tag read packet if determined by the antenna, and/or thegeographic location coordinates or GPS location of the antenna.

The tag reader system TRS receives the tag read packet from one or moreantennas. The tag reader system TRS time stamps the tag read packet witheither the time of the internal clock at receipt, or an adjusted timethat adjusts the time of receipt based on any known or determinablecommunication delay in the tag reader system TRS. In some embodiments,each TRS system stores this information in a local TRS memory such as aresident database application in a local memory storage device. The taginformation can also include any type of data, including a tagidentifier or identification number, information related to the owner ofthe tag such as in a race it can include a bib number or name of aparticipant. However, any other data suitable for use in the applicationis also possible.

Additionally, other information can be added to the tag read packet orstore such as where the same tag has been read by multiple antennas ormultiple times by the same TRS. In such cases, these additional tagreads can be grouped and/or the total number of times that a tag wasread by a single system or by each antenna in a TRS can be stored oradded to the packet. As noted above, in some systems where directionalmonitoring or identification of the tag at reading is possible, the TRScan be configured to determine a velocity of the tag through themonitored zone. This velocity information can also be added to the tagread packet.

Some or all of the tag read packet/data can be prepared as a tag readmessage that is sent or transmitted by each TRS to a timing system TSthat is coupled to each TRS monitoring the same monitored zone havingthe same virtual/physical reference line.

In some cases, the tag read message having the number of times a tag wasread by each TRS, can enable the timing system TS to consider the totalnumber of times each tag was read at the monitored line for use indetermining the determined time of passing, the validity of that read orthe validity of other different tag reads that were submitted by one ormore of the TRS systems.

In other cases where the antenna identifier is recorded and transmittedto the timing system TS, the antenna identifier can be used to help usidentify the operation and balancing of each TRS. Also, such informationcan be utilized in the determining of the determined time of passingand/or the validity of the tag read or other tag read. Of course, oneskilled in the art will understand that the antenna and systeminformation such as this can also be utilized for operation andmaintenance of each TRS such as ensuring that all systems are operatingas desired or in trouble isolation within the system.

With regard to FIG. 8, process C breaks the packet down into individualelements, such as RFID system identifier, tag number, tag read time, andantenna identification. Process D computes the moving average delta timefor each TRS system reporting to the timing system TS. This means thetime of the read coming from the one TRS system is compared to the tagread time of another TRS system and the moving average differencebetween the two is computed. The timing system of FIG. 8 can then usethe multiple moving averages to determine the proper time adjustmentbased on which timing stamp of each tag read at the various differentmonitored positions to determine the common determined time of passingthe reference line of the monitored zone.

The timing system TS can transmit a standard time to all other connectedtiming system TS or tag reader system TRS to ensure that all coupledsystems are operating from a common time standard. Once all systems areoperating on the same time standard, tag reads that are sent from eachTRS will have a time stamp that is common. The timing system TS can thenuse the tag read times coming from all of the physically separated TRSsystems, adjust each to a common reference, and then compare each tagread time. Using this information, a delta time can be computed whichindicates how much time passed as the tag was passing between thevarious TRS systems. For example, the TRS_(F) read tag E4560123 at10:30:05.234 and that same tag was read at a TRS_(F−1) that was locatedat a distance of 20 feet behind TRS_(F), at 10:30:06.675. Thus, thetiming system TS can compute the delta time and determine that 1.441seconds elapsed during the time the tag was transitioning through themonitored zone and between TRS systems. This delta time can then be usedto compute a moving average for all tag read times obtained and receivedfrom TRS_(F−1). This moving average can then be used to automaticallyadjust tag read times that are captured at TRS_(F−1), but not atTRS_(F). By using a moving average over time, any tag read missed atTRS_(F) can be filled in from those of TRS_(F−1) with an adjusted timethat closely approximates the time that would have been recorded if thetag had been read at TRS_(F).

Process E determines which time will be used to report the final timefor the passing of the tag by the reference point. This determinationcan be any suitable for the particular application and can be changedbased user entered parameters in the timing system TS.

In one exemplary embodiment for Process E, the following method can beused for the determination of the time of passing of a tag includes:

a. If a tag read occurs by the TRS at the designated finish line wherethe physical reference line is the same as the virtual reference line,that tag read time becomes the official determined time of passing, butthe other times are also stored for reference.

b. If a tag read is missed by the TRS at the designated finish line,another TRS that is spaced at an offset distance from the virtualreference line, is adjusted by the current moving average and is used asthe determined time of passing.

c. If a tag read is missed by the TRS at the designated finish line andby a first priority secondary TRS, a third TRS received tag read timestamp is used as adjusted by the then current moving average as thedetermined time of passing.

In some embodiments, each passing tag is read multiple times, by eachTRS. In such embodiments, each tag read is received and stored. However,only the last tag read of each TRS can be used and included in the tagread message sent by the TRS or all such tag reads can be sent and thetiming system TS can determine which one or more tag reads to beadjusted and utilized in the determination of the determined time ofpassing of the tag.

Referring now to the drawings various exemplary embodiments areillustrated and will be discussed.

The system 100 of FIG. 1 includes two tag reader systems 102A and 102Bspaced apart from one another and positioned on a race track or course104 in which a participant 106 having an RFID tag 108 is traveling alongroute 110 with a velocity V_(A). As shown each tag reader system 102A,102B has a plurality of antennas 112A, 112B, respectively positionedabout a particular location on the track 104 and about participanttravel route 110. TRS 102A and 102B each include a computer system (alsogenerally referred to as TRS_(A) 114B and TRS_(B) 114B which will bereferred generally hereafter) each of which is communicatively coupledto its respective antenna 112A, 112B via a communication link 120. TheTRS 102A is positioned about monitored point MP_(A) and TRS 102B ispositioned about monitored point MP_(B). In this exemplary embodimentMP_(A) is also positioned at the reference line R, which can be equatedto a starting line, a checkpoint, or a finish line on race track 104.The MP_(B) of TRS_(B) is positioned at an offset distance OD₁ fromreference line R, and is also referred to as position R+1. Each TRS_(A)114A and TRS_(B) 114B is communicatively coupled to timing system (TS)116 via communication network 118. TRSA 114A transmits one or more tagread messages TRM_(A) to the timing system TS 116 and TRS_(B) 114Btransmits one or more tag read messages TRM_(R+1) to timing system TS116.

The system 100 of FIG. 2 is similar to that of FIG. 1 except in thissystem, there are three tag reader systems TRS. TRS_(A) 102A ispositioned at MP_(A) which is equivalent to reference line R. A secondtag reader system TRS_(B) 102B is positioned at MP_(B), which isequivalent to line R+1 that is positioned at an offset distance OD₁ fromreference line R. A third tag reader system TRS _(C) 102C is positionedat a distance OD₂+OD₁ from reference line R, or OD₂ from MP_(B) at lineR+1. In this embodiment, each participant 106 has their RFID tag 108read by each of the tag reader systems 102, first by 102A, at which timeTRS_(A) 114A transmits a first tag read message TRM_(A) to the timingsystem TS 116. As the participant continues along route 110 of track104, the second TRS_(B) 102B reads one or more tag reads of tag 108associated with monitored point MPB that is located at the offsetdistance OD1 behind MP_(A) which is reference line R. The second tagreader system 102B reads the tag 108 and transmits the tag read messageTRM_(R+1) that includes the time stamp or timing of the second read. Asthe participant 106 continues along route 110, tag reader system 102begins to read tag 108 at monitored point MPC. TSR_(C) transmits tagread message TRM_(R+2) to the timing system TS 116. As such, each TRS102 has recorded a tag read and generated at least one tag read messageTRM at each spaced apart monitored point and transmitted a tag readmessage TRM to the timing system TS 116 with the time stamps of each tagread. The processes within timing system TS 116 are as described herein.

The system 100 of FIG. 3 illustrated an embodiment having the referenceline R being spaced apart from each of two separate tag reader systems102A, 102B. As such, the timing system 116 must determine the time ofpassing of the participant 106 at reference line R based on informationreceived from each of two tag readers 102A, 102B. As shown, a first tagreader system 102A includes four antennas 112A1, 112A2, 112A3, and 112A4each of which makes an antenna tag read ATR_(A) in the direction of theparticipant 106 after the participant has passed monitored point MP_(A).MP_(A) is positioned at line R−1 that is at an offset distance ofOD_(R−1) before reference line R. One or more of the antennas 112A,makes the first antenna tag read ATR_(A). The tag reader systemTRS_(R−1) receives each of the ATRA tag reads and transmits the tag readmessage TRM_(R−1) to the timing system timing system TS 116. Tag readersystem 102B includes multiple antennas 112 _(B1), 112 _(B2), 112 _(B3)and 112 _(B4) each of which can make one or more tag reads ATR_(B). Thesecond tag reader system 102B and each of its antennas 112B arepositioned at monitored point MP_(B) at a distance of OD_(R+1) after thereference line R. Tag reader system 102B includes the computer systemTRS_(R+1) that receives the various antenna tag reads ATRB from thesecond antenna 112B and transmits a second tag read message TRM_(R+1) tothe timing system TS 116 over communication network 118.

As has been discussed in the figures so far, each set of tag readersystems 102 is associated with a single reference line R for which atime of passing of the tag 108 on participant 106 is determined by thetiming system TS 116 based on the tag read messages TRM received from aplurality of tag reader systems 102, 114. FIG. 4 illustrates a schematiclayout of a race event system 120 with a single timing system 116 andfour reference point monitoring systems 100A, 110B, 110C, and 110D, eachof which is associated with a different monitored reference point R_(A),R_(B), R_(C), and R_(D) positioned along route 110 of race track 104.Each of the four reference point monitoring systems 100 has one or moretag reader systems 114 for monitoring each reference point R_(N).

The first reference point monitoring system 100A is positioned formonitoring reference point R_(A) and does so with two tag reader systemsTRS_(A) 114 _(A) and TRS_(A+1) 114 _(A+1). TRS_(A) 114 _(A+1) ispositioned at reference point R_(A) that equates to a start positionalong rout 110. TRS_(B) is positioned at an offset distance OD_(A+1)after the start line of reference line R_(A). Each of TRS_(A) 114 _(A)and TRS_(A+1) 114 _(A+1) obtained tag reads from their antennas (notshown in FIG. 4). As described earlier, the tag reader systems TRS_(A)114 _(A) and TRS_(A+1) 114 _(A+1) transmit their own tag read messageTRM_(A) and TRM_(A+1) respectively to the timing system TS 116 overcommunications system or facility 118 each of which includes its own tagread time stamp associated the reading of tag 108 associated with itspassing as reference line R_(A).

As the participant 106 with RFID tag 108 continues along route 106 oftrack 104, it will next come to checkpoint #1. Checkpoint #1 includesreference line R_(B) that is monitored by monitoring point system 100Busing a single tag reader system TRS_(B) 114B. TRS_(B) 114B receives oneor more antenna tag reads ATR_(B) when the tag 108 is detected inproximity to reference line R_(B) and transmits a tag read messageTRM_(B) to the timing system TS 116. Next, the participant reachescheckpoint #2 with a reference line R_(C). Reference line R_(C) ismonitored monitoring system 100C having two tag reader systems TRS_(C−1)and TRS_(C). Tag reader system TRS_(C) is positioned at reference lineR_(C) as its monitored point MP_(C). In this case, the second tag readersystem TRS_(C−1) is positioned prior to the reference line R_(C). Assuch, it is denoted as C−1, as its monitored point MP_(C−1) ispositioned at an offset distance OD_(C−1) from the reference line R_(C).Each of the tag reader systems TRS_(C) and TRS_(C−1) receives one ormore tag reads and transmits one or more tag read messages to the timingsystem TS 116 over communication network 118.

Finally, the participant 106 with tag 108 reaches the finish line thatis monitored by monitoring system 110D. In this case, there are threetag reader systems TRS_(D−2), TRS_(D−1), and TRS_(D+1), monitoring thepassing of RFID tags 108 passing reference line R_(D). As shown however,the reference line R_(D) that is associated with the finish line is notdirectly monitored. Rather each of the three tag reader systemsTRS_(D−2) 114 _(D−2) TRS_(D−1) 114 _(D−1), and TRS_(D+1) 114 _(D+1) ispositioned at spaced apart distances from the finish line. TRS_(D−2) 114_(D−2) is positioned at offset distance OD_(D−2) prior to the referenceline R_(D). As such, tag reader system TRS_(D−2) 114 _(D−2) will detecta passing by its monitored point first. Tag reader system TRS_(D−2) 114_(D−2) will transmit a tag read message TRM_(D−2) to the timing systemTS 116. Next as the running proceeds to the actual finish line ofreference line R_(D), tag reader system TRS_(D−1) 114 _(D−11) detects apassing by its monitored point MP_(D−1) that is positioned at a leadingoffset distance of OD_(D−1) prior to the reference line R_(D). TRS_(D−1)transmits its own tag read message TRM_(D−1) to the timing system TS116. Finally, after the participant has actually passed the finish lineof reference line R_(D), the third tag reader system TRS_(D+1) detectsthe proximity of the tag 108 to monitored position MP_(D+1) that islocated at a following offset distance of OD_(D+1) after the referenceline R_(D). The tag reader system TRS_(D+1) 114 _(D+1) transmits one ormore tag read messages TRM_(D+1) to the timing system TS 116.

FIG. 5 illustrates a more detailed breakdown of the operation of onemonitored point system 100 having three spaced apart tag reader systems102A, 102B, 102C each associated with a monitored point MP and each ofwhich is spaced apart at an offset distance OD from the reference lineR. As shown herein, reference line R equates to a virtual monitoredpoint MP_(Virtual). Each tag reader system 102 has a plurality ofantennas 112 positioned at its monitored point MP. In thisrepresentation, the route of travel is from left to right in the image.For a representation of passage in time, the movement of a single tag isshown starting at the top left, and as it moves forward along route 110the movement in the figure moves downward and to the right.

A first tag read TR₁ is taken by tag reader system 102A. In this case,tag reader system 102A has three antennas 112A1, 112A2, 112A3 positionedat an offset distance of OD_(R−1)+OD_(R) prior to or in front ofreference point R. As shown, a lapsed time for traversing the offsetdistance of t=t_(R−1) can be associated with the distance ODR−1 based onsome determined or calculated or predefined participant velocity VA_(C)between MP_(C) and MP_(B). Considering the velocity of the tag 108 alongroute 110 is VA_(C) at monitored point MP_(C), antenna 112C1 obtainsthree antenna tag reads ATR_(C1), ATR_(C2) and ATR_(C3) from the tag 108to obtain tag read 112C. The tag reader system TRS_(C) 114C receiveseach antenna tag read ATR_(C1), ATR_(C2) and ATR_(C3) and prepares oneor more tag read messages TRM_(C) that are transmitted to the timingsystem TS 116. As shown, in this exemplary embodiment TRS_(C) 114C iscommunicatively coupled to TRS_(B) 114B, as the tag reader systemTRS_(B) 114B either is packages or integrated with the timing system TS116, or acts as a gateway for communicating with the timing system TS116.

Next the tag 108 continues past MP_(C) toward MP_(B) that is monitoredby tag reader system 102B. Monitored point MP_(B) is positioned at aleading offset distance OD₁ prior to reference point R. Tag readersystem TRS_(B) 114B is equipped with four antennas 112B1, 112B2, 112B3,112B4 for detecting the passing of an RFID tag at monitored point MPB.As shown, based on the velocity of at MP_(B), of VA_(B), the offsetdistance lapse time of t=t_(R) can be associated with offset distanceOD₁. In this example, antenna 112B2 obtains three antenna tag readsATR_(B1), ATR_(B2), and ATR_(B3) as the tag passes in proximity to it.Of course, one or more of other antennas 112 _(B1), 112 _(B3), 112 _(B4)can also obtain reads from the tag passing MP_(B). Tag reader systemTRS_(B 114)B obtains these tag reads and creates one or more tag readmessages TRM_(B) that are transmitted to timing system TS 116 overcommunication system 118. The same process applies at monitored pointMP_(A) after the tag passes the reference line R and continues alongrout 110 at velocity VA_(A). Tag reader system 102A has two antennas112A1, 112A2 position at monitored point MP_(A) that is an offsetdistance OD_(R+1) after reference point R. Based on the velocity VA_(A),the offset distance time t=t_(R+1) can be associated with offsetdistance OD_(R+1). As shown, the antenna 112A of tag reader system 102Aobtain antenna tag reads ATR_(A1), ATR_(A2) and ATR_(A3) as the tagpassing monitored point MP_(A) to obtain tag read TR₃.

Tag reader system TRS_(A) receives each of these tag reads and transmitsa tag read message TRM_(A) to the timing system TS 116.

FIG. 6 illustrates a timing diagram 130 for the communications betweenantenna tag reader systems 114 and antenna 112 as tag 108 passes by amonitored point MP. As shown, the tag reader system 114 transmits apower on message and a read request message to each antenna that getstransmitted at the monitored point MP. Each of these is pulsedwirelessly and continuously by antennas 112A, 112B and 112C that arelocated at the same monitored point MP. A first set of antenna tag readsATR_(A1), ATR_(B1) and AT_(C1) are received by a tag reader systemantenna 112 from the tag 108. Each of these is received from differentantenna 112A, 112B, and 112C at the MP, and hence the first subcharacter of the antenna reads correlating therewith. As the tag 108continues to move and time lapses and the tag continues to transmit tagreads which are received by the tag reader system 112 as ATR_(A2),ATR_(B2), and ATR_(C2). The tag continues to move in range of theantenna 112 and final antenna tag reads ATR_(A3), ATR_(B3), and ATR_(C3)are obtained from antenna 112. Each of the three antenna tag reads perantenna are communicated to a coupled tag reader system 114 all whilethe tag 108 is within proximity to the same monitored point and inwireless communication with the antennas 112A, 112B, and 112C associatedtherewith. In this embodiment, all antenna tag reads occur at a singlemonitored point having multiple antennas. The processes discloses hereindetermine the actual passing of tag 108 by this monitored point MP inview of these multiple antenna tag reads.

FIG. 7 illustrates another timing diagram 132 that is different thanFIG. 6 in that the timing flow is from different tag readers systemswith one or more antennas, each of the three tag reader systems TRSbeing located at spaced apart or offset distances from each other, atleast two of which are not coincidental with the reference line R. Inthis illustration, when the participant is at location of monitoredpoint R−1, a first tag reader system A obtains three tag reads TR_(A1),TR_(A2), and TR_(A3). The tag reader system TR_(A) transmits each ofthese tag reads to the timing system 116 in packaged tag read messages.As the tag moves from the first monitored point to the second monitoredpoint at point R or reference line R obtains three more tag readsTR_(B1), TR_(B2) and TR_(B3) are obtained by second tag reader systemTR_(B) that then transmits each of these to the timing system 116.Finally, after the tag has passed the reference line, a third tag readersystem TRC is located at monitored point R+1. This third tag readersystem obtains three tag reads TR_(C1), TR_(C2) and TR_(C3) andtransmits these to the timing system 116. Of course a different numberof tag reads per monitored point MP is possible and the illustration ofthree tag reads per tag reader system is only illustrative.

As shown in FIG. 8, on embodiment of a process 150 illustratesdetermining tag reads for data storage in a tag reader system TRS and/ora timing system TS. In this exemplary embodiment, the tag read data isstored in any suitable manner in a memory associated with the TRS ortiming system TS. In some cases, when you have two or more TRS systemsat the same monitored position or in the same monitored zone, the timingsystem TS will receive multiple tag reads from the same tag but fromdifferent tag readers at different monitored points. The system andmethods described herein enable for the synchronization of thesemultiple tag reads for the determination of the determined time ofpassing of the tag. Such determination can be handled in any of a numberof ways as should be known to those skilled in the art after review ofthe present disclosure.

As in process 152 of FIG. 8 the timing system TS parses the informationpackets to determine the tag read information for each TRS. Thisinformation is sorted by TRS system identifier and passed to a processthat will compute the moving average delta time for each TRS. Next asshown in steps 154R−1, 154R, and 154R+1, the system computes the averagedelta time for a tag read at each TRS. The tag read is checked to see ifthe same read occurred at another TRS. If the tag was seen at the TRSthat is most closely related to the reference line, (sometimes referredto as the primary TRS or reference TRS, as well as the other TRSsystems, a delta time can be computed to identify how long it took forthe tag to transition from one system to another. Once the delta time isdetermined in process 154, the delta time is used to update a movingaverage delta time for all reads coming from each TRS. This movingaverage delta time can then be used to update the tag time for a tagread which occurred at each TRS accordingly to adjust to the referenceTRS or virtual reference line as shown in process 156. By using theprocess 150, the tag read at any TRS can effectively be used as thefinal or actual determined time of passing the reference line.

One such embodiment can be a rolling moving average that uses the last Xnumber of tag times from the two systems that are separated by someoffset distance, such as 20 to 30 feet in a racing application. Theinitial value of X can be set at a defined number such as 20, but can bechanged for the application by the user. A range of 15 to 25 may becommon in many applications. The number of samples considered by thetiming system TS can be from one to the total number of tag readsobtained by the one or more TRS systems associated with the samemonitored zone. For example, there can be 20 tag reads occurring in themonitored zone in a 2 minute period or monitoring window. However, therecan also be 20 tag reads occurring in a 30 second window. In addition tothe rolling moving average, it is also possible to make adjustmentsbased on a calculated standard deviation of the tag reads so that therolling forward number is used rather than just the average. In thismanner, the average used in the calculations will be adjusted to removetag reads or data points that are one-time anomalies, or noise in thesystem, such as a tag read associated with a tag that came to a haltwithin the monitored zone or shortly thereafter.

In some embodiments, the distance between each monitored position andthe offset distances between each monitored position and a virtual orphysical reference line, can be determined and entered at the time ofinstallation of each multi-TRS system at each monitored zone. In suchembodiments, the known or predetermined distances can be entered intothe system and can thereafter be utilized by the timing system TS forvarious determinations including the determination of the determinedtime passed by the tag at the reference line of the monitored zone. Thedistances can also be used in conjunction with the multiple tag reads ofthe various tag read messages to determine a velocity of a tag as itmoves by and between each TRS and through the monitored zone. Other usesare also possible.

However, in other embodiments, the systems can be set up at distancesthat are variable or non-determined at the time of installation. In suchembodiments, as described herein, the various tag read messages with thetag reads and time stamps can be utilized by the timing system TS indetermining adjusted times for one or more of the tag reads and also fordetermining the determined time at passing of the tag. The describedaveraging for each TRS averages out the differences in speeds of thedifferent runners covering the same constant distance, even though suchdistance is not defined within the system. In one embodiment, the amountof time between different TRS systems monitoring the same monitoredzone, as used in the adjustment of the tag read, is based on a standarddefined value set by the user. Such can be set by the system or the useralso only at the initial setting, which can then be modified or adjustedby the timing system TS as it computes the averages. In other words, thesystem can be configured to continuously calibrate its adjustments anddeterminations.

As addressed, each monitored zone having multiple TRS systems each at amonitored position within the zone spaced a distance from each other,can be referenced by the timing system to a common reference point inthe RFID read monitored zone (such as on the track) that can be avirtual location. Of course the virtual location can in fact also be areal location but we will address that below. Each TRS in the timingsystem for each monitored zone is in effect synchronized to that virtualor common reference line so that the times can be captured at differentlocation or different monitored positions, and then adjusted for acommon or standard point for determination of the determined time ofpassing.

However, in other embodiments where the system can actually locate a tagwithin the monitored zone, each tag can be located or pinpointed at avirtual location within the zone or in association with the referenceline. Additionally, such virtual location determination can also enablemore accurate determinations of a passing of a tag at a virtual locationthat cannot otherwise be physically monitored.

For instance, a finish line or monitored position across an open body ofwater, such as in a lake or ocean swim event. The virtual definition ofsuch a finish line or monitored reference line can enable the accuratedetermination of a time of passing without actually having a TRSpositioned at the physical location of the finish line. In such cases,each TRS tag read message time stamp can be adjusted appropriately suchthat the adjusted time stamp for the read corresponds to the virtualreference line. In some embodiments, one TRS was established to includethe timing system TS or to act as the reference or “primary system.”This is further enhanced where the location of the tag within the zonecan be pinpointed or determined based on the location identificationcapability of the antennas and one or more TRS systems. For example,having two TRS systems each with multiple antennas as described above,can be used to identify the location of the tag through triangulation onthe tag and then reference that with the coordinates of a virtual finishline.

While not shown in the drawing figures, two or more TRS systems can becombined at a single monitored position to add width to the monitoredposition, such as in a wide race track or a marathon or similar widearea monitored zone applications. Such side-by-side TRS systems can worktogether to increase the width of the monitored position and the widthof the monitored zone. Such side-by-side systems can be synched, forexample, to act as a single system.

As one skilled in the art will understand after reviewing the presentdisclosure, while the primary exemplary embodiment as described hereinhas been related to timing passings or elapsed time of a tag used in aracing event, other applications of timing activities using RFID tags isalso possible and considered within the scope of the present disclosure.The following is a brief description of some additional applicationsand/or embodiments.

a. in medical facilities such as hospitals for tracking the flow ofpatients into and out of their emergency rooms. This can includetracking patient flow through their facilities so they know the speed ofentry, time of wait, time for certain treatments, location of thepatients in their ER centers, etc.

b. in prisons and schools for tracking and timing individual movementstherein.

c. at trade-shows to track the traffic flow of people attending a show,including tracking the paths that attendees take through the exhibitioncenter floor and how much time they spend at various booths.

d. sporting events for tracking players on the playing field or surface,time on the field or playing surface versus the bench or a penalty box.Such real-time tracking data can be fed to coaches, television and radiobroadcasters, and officials.

One or more embodiments as described herein can provide a comprehensivesolution for networking two or more RFID tag readers and/or one or moretiming systems together and computing an improved accuracy of the timeof passing of the tag at a monitored line or zone. This later embodimentis illustrated in FIG. 9. Additionally, the present systems can ensurethat no tags are missed as they pass through the monitored zone, whichwith increased quantity of tags can be a critical issue. Each RFID TRSsystem transmits information to the timing system TS for some or all tagreads. This information can include the RFID system identifier, the tagserial number, the tag read time, and the antenna identifier of theantenna receiving the tag read.

Furthermore, while the design solution will be described in conjunctionwith the current embodiments, it will be understood that they are notintended to limit the design solution to these embodiments. On thecontrary, the design solution is intended to cover alternatives,modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spiritand scope of the design solution.

As tag reads occur at each TRS, a tag read message or packet istransmitted over a network (can be wired or wireless) to timing systemTS.

The timing system TS collects the information packets coming from eachTRS and stores this information along with the tag reads it is alsocollecting.

As in process 152 of FIG. 8 the timing system timing system TS parsesthe information packets to determine the tag read information for eachTRS. This information is sorted by TRS system identifier and passed to aprocess that will compute the moving average delta time for each TRS.

Next as shown in steps 154 of FIG. 8, the system's processes computesthe average delta time for a tag read at each TRS. The tag read ischecked to see if the same read occurred at another TRS. If the tag wasseen at the TRS that is most closely related to the reference line,(sometimes referred to as the primary TRS or reference TRS, as well asthe other TRS systems, a delta time can be computed to identify how longit took for the tag to transition from one system to another. Once thedelta time is determined, it can be used to update a moving averagedelta time for all reads coming from each TRS. This moving average deltatime can then be used to update the tag time for a tag read whichoccurred at each TRS accordingly to adjust to the reference TRS orvirtual reference line as shown in process 156 of FIG. 8. By using thistechnique, the tag read at any TRS can effectively be used as the finalor actual determined time of passing the reference line.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, where there are two timing systems 116A and116B, each of them can include a packet collector 162A, 162B forreceiving tag read messages TRM from one or more tag reader systems 114,that may be the same as the other, or not. Each timing system 116A, 116Bimplements a process as shown in FIG. 8 for its own determination of anassembled final time for a tag read, e.g., a time of passing of the tagat a particular monitored point.

Communications Interface

As described herein, the communications systems and protocols of thetiming system TS and the Tag Reader Systems (TRS), collectively referredherein as a sports timing system (STS) by way of example, can implementan Integrated Communications System (ICS), method and/or protocols thatsupport the transmission of information using variable length messagesthat can be customized by an STS user. The information can betransmitted via numerous technologies including, but not limited to,wired networks, wireless networks, satellite networks, cellularnetworks, serial networks, or private networks. The messages can betransmitted over any type of network communications protocol including,but not limited to, TCP/IP or UDP. The protocol uses a plain textmessage format that can be modified to include any number of new messagetypes. A number of pre-defined messages are available for thetransmission of typical sports timing information between systems. Inaddition, new messages can be added by utilizing a packet structurecontaining message type indicators at the beginning of the packet, andthe EOMI end of message identifier that tells the receiving system thatall information for that particular packet has been received. Theseindicators make it possible to parse individual information packets thatare being received in a constant stream. The contents of the informationpackets use a variable length text message format. There are pre-definedmessages for handling many of the common information exchanges oftenused in sports timing.

The ICS was designed for sporting events, it could be used for anynumber of other applications. Furthermore, while the ICS will bedescribed in conjunction with the current embodiments, it will beunderstood that they are not intended to limit the protocol to theseembodiments. On the contrary, the design solution intended to coveralternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the design solution.

In one exemplary embodiment, a system for communicating sporting eventtiming information among a plurality of timing systems, the systemincludes a sport timing system (STS) having a data interface, a memoryand a processor. The data interface is for communicating over a datacommunication network. The memory includes executable instructions foroperating the data interface to communicate over the data communicationnetwork and for storing participant data including participant data thatincludes a participant identifier for uniquely identifying eachparticipant and participant timing data. The participant identifier canbe a bib number or a participant identification number for example.

The processor is coupled to the memory and the data interface andexecutes the executable instructions for operating the data interface totransmit datagram messages over a stateless packet data communicationnetwork wherein the datagram messages include multicast and unicastmessages, each of which includes at least a portion of the participantdata. The stateless packet datagram message protocol can be a userdatagram protocol (UDP) in one exemplary embodiment, but can be othersuch protocols in other embodiments and for use on other statelesspacket data communication networks. In some embodiments, a portion ofthe predefined message can include a uniquely assigned packet numberthat is a next sequential number for that particular data interface.

As shall be discussed a plurality of timing systems TS and TRS canimplement the described ICS network interface systems and method. Insome embodiments, a single event will include a few to as many as adozen or more timing system TS and/or TRS systems such as for a crosscountry race or multi-kilometer bicycle or triathlon, each of which whenimplementing the timing system TS and tag reader system TRS can shareevent and individual participant data. Often in such STS systems, asingle system will act as the primary or master for compiling the finalrace results for each participant. However the other timing system TSand/or TRS systems cooperate to provide race timing services and supportsuch as racer registration, start times, intermediate detections andtimes, by way of example. As such, as will be described in someembodiments herein, a first and second timing system (TS) is possible,but such systems can have multiple first or second such timing system TSand still be within the scope of the present disclosure. As such, eachof the above may be a first TS system and a second TS system will havesecond components. However, each will access the same or coupled datacommunication network using the stateless broadcast protocol using theplurality of predefined multicast and unicast messages including theportion of the participant data.

Of course, one or more of the STS systems may have a timing clock thatprovides a present time signal. A second data interface can provide forthe receiving of participant detection data from a tag reader or otherdetection system when the detection system detects proximity of aparticipant in the sporting event to a predefined detection pointassociated therewith or monitored by such detection system. Generally,executable instructions in the ICS provide the processor with theability to determine the participant timing data responsive to thereceived participant detection data and the present time signal. Thesecomponents may be separate components with separate processors, memoriesand data interfaces or may be assembled as a single unit.

As known, each TRS system or other detection system, such as an can haveone or more RFID tag readers. When detecting RFID tags, the RFID readerdetection systems detect the RFID tag number uniquely assigned to thedetected participant and this can become the participant identificationand included in participant data.

As noted and described in detail below, the multicast messages includean identification of an originating STS system but do not include anidentification of an intended receiving STS system. In other words, therecipient knows who sent the message but any listening device canreceive the message based on their screening on the sender. Such,multicast messages can include one or more of the later descriedmessages: READ, TSYNC, and RSIG, by ways of example and not intending tobe limited thereto. Similarly, the unicast messages include both anidentification of an originating STS system and an identification of anintended receiving STS system, and as such are a point to point messagethat is transmitted within the broadcasting message structure. Theunicast messages can be, for example, message such as will subsequentlybe described to include, but not limited to, RESEND, LOOKUP, STARTRFID,STOPRFID, and COMMAND.

In addition to the multicast and the unicast messages, the datainterface can communicate using the stateless broadcast protocol by oneor more broadcast messages that do not include an identification of anoriginating STS system or an identification of an intended receiving STSsystem, and therefore are purely broadcast messages. These can includemessages such as system level messages and can include the TRSTARTmessage by way of example as will be further described herein.

In yet another embodiment, the TS and TRS systems can include a datainterface of a timing system for communication over a coupled datacommunication network to cause a computer for storing in a memoryparticipant data including participant data that includes a participantidentifier for uniquely identifying each participant and participanttiming data and transmitting, via a data interface, datagram messagesover a stateless packet data communication network, datagram messagesincluding multicast and unicast messages including at least a portion ofthe participant data. The system and methods can include the followingprocess steps, the order of which is not significant, as other ordersare possible and each of which are still within the scope of the presentdisclosure:

a. providing a present time signal from a timing clock;

b. receiving at a second data interface participant detection data froma detection system responsive to the detection system detecting aproximity of a participant in a sporting event to a detection point;

c. determining in a processor the participant timing data responsive tothe received participant detection data and the present time signal;

d. storing a plurality of the participant data in the memory includingthe determined the participant timing data;

e. wherein the detection system is an RFID tag reading system having oneor more RFID tag readers and wherein the participant detection dataincludes an RFID tag number uniquely assigned to the detectedparticipant, communicating with the RFID tag reading system andreceiving the participant detection data including a RFID tag number ofthe detected participant's RFID tag;

f. transmitting the datagram messages using user datagram protocol(UDP);

g. storing an identification of the STS system, and formatting themulticast datagram messages to not include the stored STS identificationin the multicast message but to include an identification of an intendedreceiving STS system, and formatting the unicast messages to include thestored STS identification and to include an identification of anintended receiving STS system;

h. formatting multicast messages are selected from the group of messageconsisting of: READ, RESEND, TSYNC, and RSIG; and wherein the unicastmessages are selected from the group of messages consisting of: RESEND,LOOKUP, STARTRFID, STOPRFID, and COMMAND;

i. storing an identification of the STS system; formatting one or morebroadcast message to not include the STS identification or anyidentification of an intended receiving STS system; and transmitting viathe data interface the one or more broadcast messages;

j. formatting the participant identifier in the format selected from thegroup consisting of a bib number, and a participant identificationnumber; and

k. wherein one or more of the predefined messages includes a uniquelyassigned packet number that is a next sequential number for the datainterface.

Of course other steps and processes are also possible as will beunderstood by one of skill in the art of timing systems.

FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing showing the system architecture of thetiming system (TS) 200 integrated communication system (ICS), accordingto one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, and by way of example only,the system architecture includes four timing systems, TS_(A)−TS_(D),116A, 116B, 116C, 116D and two timing auxiliary systems, TAS_(A)−TAS_(B)210A, 210B, and a distributed clock system DC 204, which provides apresent time signal to the timing systems, TS_(A)−TS_(D) 116A, 116B,116C, 116D, Each of the timing systems TS_(A)−TS_(D) 116A, 116B, 116C,116D uses a corresponding integrated communication interface, ICS tocommunicate with each other and with the timing auxiliary systems,TAS_(A)−TAS_(B) 210A, 210B over a communications network 118. Each ofthe timing systems, TS_(B)−TS_(D) 116A, 116B, 116C, 116D includes may bepaired with a plurality of tag reader systems TRS_(B−1), TRS_(B−2),TRS_(C−1) TRS_(C−2), TRS_(D−1), and TRS_(D−2), shown as 114respectively. Each tag reader systems TRS_(N) generally, is configuredto read a tag worn by an event participant and to communicate one ormore read times, synchronized to the distributed clock system, DC, tothe corresponding timing system, TS_(A)−TS_(D). A shown, each tag readersystem 114 can communicate directly with the timing system 116 or cancommunicate using communication network 118.

As shown in FIG. 10, timing system TS_(A) 116A is not paired with adetection system. Rather, timing system, TS_(A) is equipped with aGraphical User Interface 206 and input system 208. Together, theGraphical User Interface 206 and input system 208 are configured toallow either manual entry by a human user or electronic entry from anoutside system, and interacts with a database application for storing aplurality of participant data in the memory wherein each participantdata including a participant identifier for uniquely identifying eachparticipant, along with other participant data, without limitation,including contact information and group affiliation. Graphical UserInterface 206 and input system 208 may be implemented in any suitableapplication programming environment, including but not limited to theMicrosoft® .NET Framework.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10 depicts two timing auxiliarysystems, STAS_(A)−STAS_(B) 210A, 210B. Timing auxiliary system, TAS_(A)210A is equipped with a display 212. The display 212 may include, but isnot limited to a computer monitor, message board, time clock or anyother display device. Timing auxiliary system, TAS_(A) 210B isconfigured with suitable computer executable instructions for using theintegrated communication interface timing system TS and TRS tocommunicate with other timing auxiliary systems, such as TAS_(B), andone or more of the timing systems, TS_(A)−TS_(D) over the communicationsnetwork 118. In an exemplary embodiment, timing auxiliary system,TAS_(A) may function as a remote controller, coordinating thecommunications between the other timing systems 214 and timing auxiliarysystems.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, timing system TS_(A)116A may function as a participant check-in location, timing systemTS_(B) 116B may be positioned near the starting line of the race withintwo or more tag reader systems, TRS_(B−1), and TRS_(B−2). Timing systemTS_(C) 116C may be positioned at an intermediate point between thestarting and finish lines and have two more of its own tag readersystems TRSC⁻¹ and TRS_(C−2). Timing system TS_(D) 116D has two or moretag reader systems TRS_(D−1)and TRS_(D−2)positioned near the finish lineof the race.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the system may be configuredto include more or fewer timing systems and more or fewer timingauxiliary systems as the configuration of the race course or quantity ofparticipants would dictate. Additionally, the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 10 as shown depicts a circular race course over which one or morelaps may be run. One skilled in the art will recognize that any courseconfiguration may be supported by providing an appropriate quantity oftiming systems, TS's, TRS's and TAS's arranged in a manner suitable tocover the entire course.

During operation of the system, a participant P, wearing an RFID tagsuitable for detection by each of the RFID tag reader systems TRS wouldbegin near timing system TS_(B), travelling along the path P_(B−C.) Asthe participant nears TS_(B), the tag reader systems TRS_(B−1) andTRS_(B−2) will detect the participant's unique identifier or otherparticipant data, record participant timing data, which constitutes partof the participant data, which includes the determined time of detectionof the participant in proximity to a detection point at the location ofTRS_(B−1) and TRS_(B−2) system. Timing system STS_(B) may then use theintegrated communication system to communicate the participant data toone or more of the timing systems, STS_(A), STS_(C)−STS_(D), or timingauxiliary systems, STAS_(A)−STAS_(B) over the communications network STSNET. As the participant continues along the path P_(C−D) through pathP_(D−B), timing system TS_(C) receives tag reads from its tag readersTRS_(C−1) and TRS_(C−2) and TS_(D) receives tag reads from its tagreaders TRS_(D−1) and TRS_(D−2). In this way, the collective system isable to track the progress and timing of the event participant as theytraverse the race course covering paths P_(B−C), P_(C−D) through pathP_(D−B).

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic drawing of a typical communicationsarchitecture 250 that could be used at a sporting event. The timingsystem TS and TRS communications interfaces make it possible for thedevices shown to share race information. A system implementing the STSarchitecture consists of a Distributed Clock System DCS 204, one or moretiming systems TS 116, one or more auxiliary timing systems TAS 210 andexternal devices 60. The external devices 60 can include any type ofexternal devices without limitation, and can include cellular telephonesor smart phones.

A message as described herein can include a variable length messageinformation packet structure that is used to communicate event data.This packet may contain any type of information and the format of thepacket includes the following: message type, source, custom field(s),and end of message indicator. Several message types are already defined,as documented below. However, the message type may contain any textwhich uniquely identifies a message. The system receiving the messagewill use the message type to determine the action required. The nextfield in the packet includes the source. The source is a name or uniqueidentifier that indicates which system transmitted the message. Thisinformation is used by the receiving system to know where to send aresponse. The source field can include any text, but typically the IPaddress of a computer or device is used. The next fields within thepacket are customer fields that may contain any type of information. Theflexibility of the protocol makes it possible to send any type ofinformation from one system to another. The final field that should beincluded in each information packet contains EOMI. This is the end ofmessage indicator which is used by the receiving system to know when allinformation within a packet has been received. The packet also uses theI character to delimit each field.

The timing system TS and TRS facilitates and streamlines thecommunication of tag reader or participant detection system timinginformation between multiple computers used at sporting events. Theprotocol is flexible and adaptable and can be used to transmit any typeof information across any type of network. The use of variable lengthmessages makes it possible to customize the messages sent or receivedfrom any type of device. The protocol is simple and efficient and can bequickly implemented.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present designhave been presented for the purposes of illustration and description.They are not intended to be fully exhaustive or to limit the design tothe precise use, form, or methods disclosed, and it is obvious that manymodifications or variations are possible in the light of the informationprovided above. The embodiments were chosen, shown, and described inorder to best explain the concepts and principles and the practicalapplication of the design, thus providing others skilled in the art theability to best utilize the design and various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use desired.

Some of the advantages of the timing system TS and TRS includefacilitating and streamlining the communication of tag reader orparticipant detection system timing information (such as RFID systems byway of example) between computing systems of similar or non-similarnature. For example, the protocol would permit the communication ofsports timing information between desktop computers and cellular phones.

The Timing System (TS) Interactive Communication System and Method (STS)as described herein include both text files and network interface files.

timing system TS and TRS can have text files that a user or STS systemdeveloper can access for creating timing system TS and TRS compatiblesystems or applications.

In addition, a network interface provides an ability to communicate withSTS in real-time. The file interface is very quick and easy to use. Thenetwork interface is much more complex and can require experience inwriting network applications. In addition, as describer herein oneskilled in the art of this timing system TS and TRS network interfaceand method requires an understanding of any operating systemsenvironments in which the present timing system TS and TRS system andmethod are implemented. As such, it is assumed that any person of skillin the art implementing the present timing system TS and TRS system andmethod is well versed in such implementing operation system environment.

The timing system TS and TRS systems that make up an STS or similar RFIDtag reader system can have a state-less network interface such asprovided by a user data protocol (UDP) system as used for outbound andinbound messaging over a suitable communication network. The timingsystem TS and TRS system utilizes these messages to include outboundpackets using timing system TS and TRS for READ information, as well asother data as described herein. In addition, an STS using timing systemTS and TRS monitors the Internet connection for UDP timing system TS andTRS messages from other timing system TS and TRS systems or third-partyprograms coupled to the same communication network. This interfaceallows third-party programs to be developed which can work within theSTS architecture.

The following includes the packet structure for all timing system TS andTRS supported UDP packets. Timing system TS and TRS can be configured tolisten and send on any socket ranging from 5000 to 9999. In addition,timing system TS and TRS can be set to send to a specific computer byusing either the computer name or its IP address. Furthermore, timingsystem TS and TRS can send to all computers on the network by using0.255 as the last bytes in the IP address. Of course in other systemsand embodiments other broadcast messaging address can also be used andstill be within the scope of the present invention. In this example, ifthe timing system TS and TRS have an IP address set to 192.168.1.255,the timing system TS and TRS sends its messages as Broadcast packets.Timing system TS and TRS message are sent as clear text contained withinthe UDP packet, with fields separated by the “I” characters. IEOMIshould always come at the end of each message.

As noted, the timing system TS and TRS network interface is configuredfor stateless broadcast communications systems, such as UDP using abroadcasting IP address indicator such as 255. The networking interfacecan however support a variety of different types of messages. These caninclude broadcast messages, multicast messages and unicast messages,between and among various timing system TS and TRS systems.

Broadcast timing system TS and TRS messages are transmitted from thetiming system TS and TRS interface over the stateless broadcastcommunication network with no addressing as to the intended recipient aswell as no identification the timing system TS and TRS system that issending or sent the message. As such, each of the Broadcast timingsystem TS and TRS Messages can be read by any listening timing system TSand TRS device, and once received by that device, the receiving STSsystem does not know which other STS system sent the message. As will bediscussed, these include, by way of example, the TRSTART messages.

Multicast timing system TS and TRS messages are transmitted from thetiming system TS and TRS interface over the stateless broadcastcommunication network with no addressing as to the intended recipient.However, these messages include an identification of the sending STSsystem, e.g., FROM identifier. These timing system TS and TRS multicastmessages can be read by any timing system TS and TRS system and oncereceived by that STS system, the receiving STS system knows which of theother communicating STS systems the message originated. These include,by way of example, the READ, RESEND, and TSYNC, RSIG, and KREFRESHmessages.

Unicast timing system TS and TRS messages are transmitted from thetiming system TS and TRS interface over the stateless broadcastcommunication network with an identification of which the sending entityis (FROM identifier) as well as an identification of the intendedreceiving STS system (DEST or Destination identifier). These unicasttiming system TS and TRS messages are essentially point to pointmessaging within a stateless broadcast messaging communication system.Only the identified destination timing system TS and TRS system shouldreceive these messages and they are ignored by all other listening STSsystem. The receiving STS system knows that the message was intended forits use and it knows the identification of the sending STS. Theseinclude, by way of example, the RESEND, LOOKUP, STARTRFID, STOPRFID, andCOMMAND messages by way of example.

It should be understood to those skilled in the art that otherbroadcast, multicast and/or unicast messages can also be developed as anapplication may require or benefit from the present disclosure, andstill be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

The following is just one set of possible message descriptions anddefinitions, according to one embodiment.

Read Message (READ): This message can be sent from a system that hasjust read a participant tag. The message could be sent to any otherdevice and the message includes the tag serial number just read. It alsoincludes the time of the tag read as well as an optional packet number.The READ message is the primary information packet used to communicatetag read data to all devices. The packet could be expanded to includeadditional fields as necessary. The READ packet is sent by timing systemTS and TRS to the network and can be captured by any device that islistening on the network for UDP packets. The packet is a real-time feedof any reads that are occurring at the particular STS timing system.

Packet length=variable size

Total fields=6

READ|FROM|BIM#|TIME|PACKET #|EOM|

Packet number is a value that begins with 1 and goes to 999. Once itreaches 999, it starts over again at 1. This packet number is used toreference past messages in case a message is lost on the network and are-send is requested.

Additionally a separate READ message can be used that includes thePARTICIPANTNAME field in lieu of the BIB#.

Resend Message (RESEND): This message can be sent from a receivingdevice to a transmitting device to request another send of a particularpacket. If packet numbers are being used for the purpose of verifyingthat all packets are received, the re-send message can be used torequest another transmission of a packet that never arrived at thereceiving device. The packet could be expanded to include additionalfields as necessary. The RESEND message is sent between any timingsystem TS and TRS system to questing that it re-send a past message. Ifa message is lost over the network, a request to resend can be made forany of the last 999 messages sent previously. Timing system TS and TRSmaintain a buffer with the past 999 messages. Once the 999 position isused, timing system TS and TRS start over at position 1. Thus, timingsystem TS and TRS are maintaining a circular buffer of messages.

Packet length=variable size

Total fields=5

RESEND|FROMIDEST|PACKET #|EOM|

The Destination field is the STS system that should respond to thisrequest. This is the same name set in the STS Defaults for “My Name” inthe networking section. If a request is made for a packet number thathas not yet been used by timing system TS and TRS, a packet responsestarting with the BLANK field can be received.

Time Sync Message (TSYNC): This message can be sent to all devices onthe network to indicate the current time at the transmitting device.This message is used to synchronize the time on all devices, which iscrucial for RFID systems that are used for timing sporting events. TheTSYNC message is sent using timing system TS and TRS to any STS systemthat is listening for Time Sync commands. This is typically used by aSTS system to make sure the time on its clock is the same as that of theinterconnected systems. There can always be a slight delay in thenetwork transmission, and as such a 0.25 to 0.5 second delay may beadded to the time received using timing system TS and TRS to compensatefor the delay.

Packet length=variable size

Total fields=4

TSYNC|FROM|TIME|EOM|

The FROM field is the name set in the STS Defaults as My Name.

Remote Signal Message (RSIG): The RSIG message is sent using timingsystem TS and TRS to any system that is listening for RSIG command.

This is typically used by STS Remote to make sure the connection overthe network is good to timing system TS and TRS and also to verify thattiming system TS and TRS is scanning and listening for remote entries.

Packet length=variable size

Total fields=4

RSIG|FROM|TIME|EOM|

The FROM field is the name set in the STS Defaults as My Name.

Lookup Message (LOOKUP): This message allows a device to request raceinformation from another device. The identifier may be any text. In mostcases, the identifier will be a tag serial number, race bib number,participant name, or perhaps a unique identifier that refers to aparticular type of information. For example, if a device needs to knowthe current duration of a race, the LOOKUP message could be sent to atime system that is tracking the total race time. The identifier fieldmight contain the text entry “RACETIME” and this entry could be used toindicate that the race duration is desired. The packet number field isoptional and if not used, the field could contain a single space. TheLOOKUP message allows a timing system TS or TRS (both referred as a STSsystem herein) to request race information from another device. Theidentifier may be any text.

Packet length=variable size

Total fields=6

LOOKUP|FROM|DEST|IDENTIFIER|PACKET #|EOM|

Start RFID Message (StartRFID): This message could be sent to a deviceto indicate that it should start performing a specific tag reader orparticipant detection function. If the function is to begin at a certaindate or time, the TIME field could contain that information. This fieldcould be used to initialize and start a remote participant detectionsystem so that it begins to read tags. The StartRFID message can be sentto a TRS or timing system TS to indicate that it should start performinga specific RFID function. If the function is to begin at a certain dateor time, the TIME field could contain that information. This field couldbe used to initialize and start a remote RFID system so that it beginsto read tags. As also, as used here this is specific to RFID readers. Itshould be understood to those skilled in the art, that other reader ordetection systems are possible and in such embodiments, other messagescan be developed or this message can be adapted for their use.

Packet length=variable size

Total fields=7

StartRFID|FROM|DEST|FUNCTION|TIME|PACKET #|EOM|

Of course those skilled in the art will understand that when othertechnology is used for the tag reader or participant detection system,this message can be renamed and still be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Stop RFID Message (StopRFID): This message could be sent to a device toindicate that it should stop performing specific participant detectionor tag read function. If the function is to stop at a certain date ortime, the TIME field could contain that information. This field could beused to stop a remote tag reader or participant detection system so thatit no longer reads tags. The StopRFID message can be sent to TRS orattached device to indicate that it should start performing a specificRFID function. If the function is to begin at a certain date or time,the TIME field could contain that information. This field could be usedto initialize and start a remote RFID system so that it begins to readtags. Other systems could include: laser detection, video detection,etc.

Packet length=variable size

Total fields=7

StopRFID|FROM|DEST|FUNCTION|TIME|PACKET #|EOM|

Of course those skilled in the art will understand that when othertechnology is used for the tag reader or participant detection system,this message can be renamed and still be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Command Message (COMMAND): This message could be sent to a device torequest that a particular command be executed. The IDENTIFIER field maycontain any text desired. This field could be used to send any tagreader or participant or tag detector command to a remote device. Forexample, if the current battery charge level on a remote system neededto determined, a Command message could be sent with the textBATTERYSTATS in the IDENTIFIER field. The remote system would need tohave functions built in that can process the command.

Packet length=variable size

Total fields=6

COMMAND|FROM|DEST|IDENTIFIER|PACKET #|EOM|

The following provide additional specifications for the communicationsinterface in some exemplary embodiments.

a) UDP packets are not guaranteed to be delivered on a network, as isthe case with TCP. In some networks, routers can not automatically sendUDP packets unless they are configured to do so. For the timing systemTS and TRS communication system as described herein, the router shouldbe able to send UDP packets, as well as a broadcast datagram.

b) In some embodiments of the timing system TS and TRS communicationsystem, an STS system can only process inbound messages while it isconnected to the timing system and the timing system TS and TRS softwareis Enabled and Scanning. In such embodiments, if packets of informationare sent to the timing system TS and TRS, such sent packets will bediscarded unless in the Scanning mode.

c) In some embodiments, a timing system TS and TRS system can send andreceive messages only if configured to do so in the software defaults.As such, the defaults should be set properly and enablingsystem/software may need to be rebooted after making any changes toensure that the networking functions have started properly.

e) There are no error messages sent using timing system TS and TRS ifpackets are transmitted with an improper format. The malformed packet isdiscarded.

f) While STS is scanning for chip reads, it can check the network packetbuffer approximately every 1 to 3 seconds for new messages that havebeen received. The communications between the timing system TS and TRSuses an automatic load balancing system for packet processing. If STSdetermines that the chip read load is lighter than normal, it can speedup the processing of inbound messages using a timing system TS and TRSapplication. Thus, it is possible that STS could process as many as 20messages every second. Thus, it is best to never send more than 20messages per second to a timing system TS and TRS system.

g) When the timing system TS and TRS are sending out messages, it cannot process inbound messages until the send can have completed.

h) The volume of messages coming via timing system TS and TRS can bequite large during a major race, so it's crucial that any code be ableto quickly process these messages. Depending on the type of race orevent being monitored by the timing system TS and TRS system, as many as300 messages per second is possible.

i) All timing system TS and TRS applications use one socket for outboundpackets, and a different socket for inbound messages. Thus, any timingsystem TS and TRS application should use the sockets designated in thetiming system TS and TRS specification be connected by the timing systemTS and TRS communication system and method as described herein.

Timing System TS and TRS Interfacing Application Example

The following is pseudo code for creating a TS and TRS UDP clientapplication. This is simply an example of the type of timing system TSand TRS communication code that can be implemented using the timingsystem TS and TRS system and method as described herein.

 int main( )  {   int socketnum;   struct socketnumaddress_inserver_address;   struct hostloc *host;   char packet_data[128];   host= (struct hostloc *) gethostbyname((char *)“192.168.1.255”);  server_address.sin_family = AF_INET;   server_address.sin_port =htons(6002);     server_address.sin_addr = *((struct in_addr*)host->h_addr);   bzero(&(server_address.sin_zero),8);   while (True)  {   printf(“Type EXIT when done.”);   gets(packet_data);   if((stremp(packet_data , “EXIT”) == 0))   {   printf(“Program done.”);  exit;   }   sendto(socketnum, packet_data, strlen(packet_data),0,(struct socketnumaddress*)&server_addr,   sizeof(structsocketnumaddress));   }

ITS, STS and TRS Computer Operating Environment

Referring to FIG. 12, an operating environment for an illustratedembodiment of one or more variable spaced multi-point RFID tag readingand timing systems is a computer system 700 with a computer 702 thatincludes at least one high speed central processing unit (CPU) 704, inconjunction with a memory system 706 interconnected with at least onebus structure 708, an input device 710, and an output device 712. Theseelements are interconnected by at least one bus structure 708. Asaddressed above, the input and output devices can include acommunication interface including an antenna interface.

The illustrated CPU 704 for an RFID semiconductor chip is of familiardesign and includes an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) 714 for performingcomputations, a collection of registers for temporary storage of dataand instructions, and a control unit 716 for controlling operation ofthe computer system 700. Any of a variety of processors, including atleast those from Digital Equipment, Sun, MIPS, Motorola, NEC, Intel,Cyrix, AMD, HP, and Nexgen, is equally preferred but not limitedthereto, for the CPU 704. This illustrated embodiment operates on anoperating system designed to be portable to any of these processingplatforms.

The memory system 706 is generally includes high-speed main memory 720in the form of a medium such as random access memory (RAM) and read onlymemory (ROM) semiconductor devices that are typical on an RFIDsemiconductor chip. However, the present disclosure is not limitedthereto and can also include secondary storage 722 in the form of longterm storage mediums such as floppy disks, hard disks, tape, CD-ROM,flash memory, etc., and other devices that store data using electrical,magnetic, and optical or other recording media. The main memory 720 alsocan include, in some embodiments, a video display memory for displayingimages through a display device (not shown). Those skilled in the artwill recognize that the memory system 706 can includes a variety ofalternative components having a variety of storage capacities. In someembodiments, these are non-transitory computer readable medium.

Where applicable, while not typically provided on RFID tags or chips, aninput device 710, and output device 712 can also be provided. The inputdevice 710 can include any keyboard, mouse, physical transducer (e.g. amicrophone), and can be interconnected to the computer 702 via an inputinterface 724 associated with the above described communicationinterface including the antenna interface for wireless communications.The output device 712 can include a display, a printer, a transducer(e.g. a speaker), etc, and be interconnected to the computer 702 via anoutput interface 726 that can include the above described communicationinterface including the antenna interface. Some devices, such as anetwork adapter or a modem, can be used as input and/or output devices.

As is familiar to those skilled in the art, the computer system 700further includes an operating system and at least one applicationprogram. The operating system is the set of software which controls thecomputer system's operation and the allocation of resources. Theapplication program is the set of software that performs a task desiredby the user, using computer resources made available through theoperating system. Both are typically resident in the illustrated memorysystem 706 that may be resident on the RFID semiconductor chip or otherforms of non-transitory omputer readable medium.

In accordance with the practices of persons skilled in the art ofcomputer programming, the present disclosure is described below withreference to symbolic representations of operations that are performedby the computer system 700. Such operations are sometimes referred to asbeing computer-executed. It will be appreciated that the operationswhich are symbolically represented include the manipulation by the CPU704 of electrical signals representing data bits and the maintenance ofdata bits at memory locations in the memory system 706, as well as otherprocessing of signals. The memory locations where data bits aremaintained are physical locations that have particular electrical,magnetic, or optical properties corresponding to the data bits. One ormore embodiments can be implemented in tangible form in a program orprograms defined by computer executable instructions that can be storedon a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer-readablemedium can be any of the devices, or a combination of the devices,described above in connection with the memory system 706.

When describing elements or features and/or embodiments thereof, thearticles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that thereare one or more of the elements or features. The terms “comprising”,“including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements or features beyond those specificallydescribed.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes can be madeto the exemplary embodiments and implementations described above withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsshould be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is further to be understood that the processes or steps describedherein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring theirperformance in the particular order discussed or illustrated. It is alsoto be understood that additional or alternative processes or steps maybe employed.

1. A timing system for determining a time of a passing at a referenceline of a tracked RFID tag traveling along a route, the systemcomprising: a first tag reader system having a processor, a memory, aclock, a communication interface, a radio frequency transceiver forwirelessly communicating with the RFID tag, and one or more antennascoupled to the radio frequency transceiver that are positioned at afirst monitored position at a first offset distance from the referenceline, the first tag reader system transmitting a first tag read requestand receiving one or more first tag reads from the RFID tag, andtransmitting over the communication interface a first tag read messageincluding at least a portion of the received first tag reads; a secondtag reader system having a processor, a memory, a clock, a communicationinterface, a radio frequency transceiver for wirelessly communicatingwith the RFID tag, and one or more second antennas coupled to the secondradio frequency transceiver that are positioned at a second monitoredposition at a second offset distance from the reference line and spacedapart from the first monitored position along the route traveled by theRFID tag, the second tag reader system transmitting a second tag readrequest and receiving one or more second tag reads from the RFID tag andtransmitting over its communication interface a second tag read messageincluding at least a portion of the received second tag reads; and atiming system having a processor, a memory including storing of a tagreader normalization parameter, and a communication interfacecommunicatively coupled to the communication interfaces of the first andsecond tag reader systems for receiving the transmitted first and secondtag read messages, the timing system determining the time of passing ofthe RFID tag at the reference line responsive to the received first andsecond tag reads and the stored tag reader normalization parameter. 2.The system of claim 1 wherein the timing system computes an averagedelta time for each of the first and second tag read and determines thetime of passing from the first and second computed average delta times.3. The system of claim 2 wherein one or both of the first and second tagreader systems transmit a plurality of first and second tag reads,respectively and wherein each average time is calculated on each of thereceived first and second tag reads.
 4. The system of claim 1 whereinthe timing system is implemented integrally with at least one of thefirst and second tag reader systems.
 5. The system of claim 1 whereinthe timing system is a first timing system implemented integrally withthe first tag reader system, further comprising a second timing systemimplemented integrally with the second tag reader system.
 6. The systemof claim 1 wherein the first offset distance is zero and the firstmonitored position is coincidental with the reference line.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein neither the first nor second offset distancesare zero and neither the first or second monitored positions iscoincidental with the reference line, and wherein the timing systemmemory includes a stored tag reader normalization parameter associatedwith each of the first and second offset distances, and wherein thetiming system determines the time of passing of the RFID tag at thereference line responsive to the received first and second tag reads andthe stored tag reader normalization parameters for the first and secondoffset distances.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the RFID tag is apassive RFID tag and wherein each of the wireless transceivers of thefirst and second tag reader systems are configured to transmit apowering activation message and the read request message to RFID tag. 9.The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second tag read requests arecontinuously transmitted as pulses.
 10. The system of claim 1 whereineach of the first and second tag reads includes a tag serial number ofthe RFID tag.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein each first and secondtag read message includes a data packet having a tag reader systemidentifier, a tag read time, and the tag serial number, wherein thetiming system determines the passing of the RFID tag response to thereceived tag read times.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein each firstand second tag read message includes a data packet having a tag readersystem identifier, and the tag serial number.
 13. The system of claim 1wherein at least one of the first and second tag reader systems includesa plurality of antennas and wherein each first and second tag readmessage includes a data packet having an antenna identifier that isunique to each antenna and wherein the timing system determines the timeof passing of the RFID tag responsive to antenna identifiers receivedwith each of the first and second tag read messages.
 14. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the timing system includes a clock and wherein thetiming system transmits a timing message to each of the first and secondtag reader systems via the communication interfaces and wherein each ofthe first and second tag reader systems sets a timing of its respectiveclock responsive to the received timing message.
 15. The system of claim1 wherein each of the first and second tag reader systems time stampseach received tag read and generates each tag read message to includethe time stamp and the received tag read in the tag read message that istransmitted.
 16. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the first andsecond tag readers receiving a plurality of first and second tag readsfrom the same RFID tag, and wherein each transmits its tag read messageto include a selected one of the plurality of first and second tagreads.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein the selected of each pluralityof first and second tag reads is the last such tag read received.
 18. Atiming system for determining a time of a passing at a reference line ofa tracked RFID tag traveling along a route, the system comprising: meansfor wirelessly transmitting one or more first tag read requests to theRFID tag at a first tag reader system having one or more antennaspositioned at a first monitored position at a first offset distance fromthe reference line along the route traveled by the RFID tag: means forreceiving one or more first tag reads responsive to the first tagrequests wherein the first tag read includes an RFID identificationnumber from the RFID tag responsive to the first tag read requests;means for recording a time stamp for each received first tag read thatincludes a time of receipt of each first tag read; means fortransmitting one or more first tag read messages containing the RFIDidentification number, the time stamp, and a tag reader systemidentifier; means for wireles sly transmitting one or more second tagread requests to the RFID tag at a second tag reader system having oneor more antennas positioned at a second monitored position spaced apartfrom the first monitored position and at a second offset distance fromthe reference line along the route traveled by the RFID tag: means forreceiving one or more second tag reads responsive to the second tagrequests wherein the second tag read include the RFID identificationnumber from the RFID tag responsive to the second tag read requests;means for recording a time stamp for each received second tag read thatincludes a time of receipt of each second tag read; means fortransmitting one or more second tag read messages containing the RFIDidentification number, the time stamp, and a tag reader systemidentifier; means for storing a tag reader normalization parameter at atiming system; means for receiving the transmitted first and second tagread messages; means for calculating an average delta time for each ofthe first and second tag read messages based in part on the stored tagreader normalization parameter; means for determining the time ofpassing of the RFID tag at the reference line responsive to thecalculated average delta times for the first and second tag reads withinthe first and second tag read messages.
 19. A timing system fordetermining an elapsed time of a tracked RFID tag traveling between afirst and a second monitored position on a route, the system comprising:a) for each of the first and second monitored positions: means forwirelessly transmitting one or more first tag read requests to the RFIDtag at a first tag reader system having one or more antennas positionedat a first monitored position at a first offset distance from thereference line along the route traveled by the RFID tag: means forreceiving one or more first tag reads responsive to the first tagrequests wherein the first tag read include an RFID identificationnumber from the RFID tag responsive to the first tag read requests;means for recording a time stamp for each received first tag read thatincludes a time of receipt of each first tag read; means fortransmitting one or more first tag read messages containing the RFIDidentification number, the time stamp, and a tag reader systemidentifier; means for wireles sly transmitting one or more second tagread requests to the RFID tag at a second tag reader system having oneor more antennas positioned at a second monitored position spaced apartfrom the first monitored position and at a second offset distance fromthe reference line along the route traveled by the RFID tag: means forreceiving one or more second tag reads responsive to the second tagrequests wherein the second tag read include the RFID identificationnumber from the RFID tag responsive to the second tag read requests;means for recording a time stamp for each received second tag read thatincludes a time of receipt of each second tag read; means fortransmitting one or more second tag read messages containing the RFIDidentification number, the time stamp, and a tag reader systemidentifier; b) at a timing system: means for storing a tag readernormalization parameter at a timing system; means for receiving thetransmitted first and second tag read messages; means for calculating anaverage delta time for each of the first and second tag read messagesbased in part on the stored tag reader normalization parameter; meansfor determining the time of passing of the RFID tag at the referenceline responsive to the calculated average delta times for the first andsecond tag reads within the first and second tag read messages, whereinthe determined time of passing of the first monitored position is thestart of the elapsed time and the determined time of passing of thesecond monitored position is the end of the elapsed time; and means fordetermining the elapsed time for the RFID tag traveling between thefirst and second monitored positions as the difference betweendetermined time of passing of the second monitored position anddetermined time of passing of the first monitored position.
 20. A methodfor determining a time of a passing at a reference line of a trackedRFID tag traveling along a route, the method comprising: a. at a firsttag reader system having one or more antennas positioned at a firstmonitored position at a first offset distance from the reference linealong the route traveled by the RFID tag: wirelessly transmitting one ormore first tag read requests to the RFID tag; receiving one or morefirst tag reads including an RFID identification number from the RFIDtag responsive to the one or more of the first tag read requests;recording a time stamp for each received first tag read that includes atime of receipt of each first tag read; transmitting one or more firsttag read messages containing the RFID identification number, the timestamp, and a tag reader system identifier; b. second tag reader systemhaving one or more antennas positioned at a second monitored position ata second offset distance from the reference line and spaced apart fromthe first monitored position along the route traveled by the RFID tag:wirelessly transmitting one or more second tag read requests to the RFIDtag; receiving one or more second tag reads including the RFIDidentification number from the RFID tag responsive the at least one ofthe second tag read requests; recording a time stamp for each receivedsecond tag read that includes a time of receipt of each second tag read;transmitting one or more second tag read messages containing the RFIDidentification number, the time stamp, and a tag reader systemidentifier; c. at a timing system: storing a tag reader normalizationparameter; receiving the transmitted first and second tag read messages;calculating an average delta time for each of the first and second tagread messages based in part on the stored tag reader normalizationparameter; determining the time of passing of the RFID tag at thereference line responsive to the calculated average delta times for thefirst and second tag reads within the first and second tag readmessages.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: transmitting atime synchronization message by the timing system; receiving the timesynchronization message by each of the first and second tag readersystems; and resetting a clock associated with each of the first andsecond tag reader systems response to the received time synchronizationmessages, wherein recording the time stamp by the first and second tagreader systems are based on the resetting of each respective clock. 22.The method of claim 20 wherein each of the first and second tag readersystems includes one or more antennas, where each tag reader performsthe method comprising; identifying each antenna having received each tagread, wherein each tag reader generates the tag read message to includean antenna identifier for each identified antenna, and wherein thetiming system computes the average delta time for each tag read as afunction of the antenna identifier.
 23. The method of claim 22, furthercomprising at the timing system determining a position of the RFID tagrelative to the first and second monitored positions and whereindetermining the time of the RFID tag passing the reference line includesassociating the determined position of the RFID tag relative to thefirst and second monitored positions.
 24. The method of claim 20 whereindetermining the time of the RFID tag passing the reference line includesidentifying a position of the reference line relative to both the firstand second monitored positions.
 25. The method of claim 20 wherein therecording of the time stamp by the first tag reader is a time at a startof the elapsed time and recording a time stamp by the second tag readeris a time at an end of the elapsed time, the method of the timing systemfurther includes computing an elapsed time for the RFID tag travelingbetween the first and second monitored points as the difference betweendetermined time of passing of the second monitored point and determinedtime of passing of the first monitored point.